character
noun (countable)
UK/ˈkær.ɪk.tər/US/ˈkær.ɪk.tɚ/
A letter, symbol, or sign used in writing or printing, including letters of the alphabet, punctuation marks, numbers, and other special symbols.
Example Sentences
Your password must include at least one special character like ‘@’ or ‘#’.
The typist pressed the wrong character, causing a spelling error.
Each written language has a unique set of characters that can be combined to form words.
He studied Chinese calligraphy to master the art of painting each character elegantly.
This font uses a refined design for uppercase characters and a simpler style for lowercase letters.
A programming language may interpret certain characters as special commands or symbols.
The sign at the entrance featured bold characters cut from metal, conveying a sleek modern appeal while remaining highly legible even at a distance.
Transliteration software can automatically convert characters from one alphabet into another, greatly assisting linguists, researchers, and travelers alike.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A set of defining traits shaping who or what someone is.This term generally captures the traits, behaviors, and qualities that make someone or something recognizable, distinctive, and, in some contexts, admirable or morally upright. Often you hear it used to describe a person’s moral fiber—e.g., “He has strong character,” emphasizing integrity, honesty, and reliability. In literature or film, “character” indicates a fictional persona—someone the author or director creates to fulfill certain roles or drive the plot. In psychology or everyday conversation, referring to someone’s character highlights the stable, internal attributes behind their consistent actions. You can also use it in a less formal, playful sense when calling someone ‘a character,’ implying they have quirky or memorable traits. To use it effectively, identify whether you’re referencing moral integrity, fictional roles, or unique personality markers. If discussing morality, specify which virtues or flaws you’re focusing on; if talking about a fictional role, mention how this persona influences the story. By clearly distinguishing context—moral quality, personality, or role in a narrative—you ensure your meaning remains precise. This nuanced understanding of “character” helps you illustrate the essence of a person, being, or role across diverse settings, from moral discussions to creative endeavors.
Alternatives
In contexts focusing on moral qualities, you might say “integrity,” “ethos,” or “moral fiber” to underscore ethical principles. If describing distinctive personal traits, “personality” or “disposition” may suit a more casual or psychological tone, pointing to underlying temperament rather than moral standing. When discussing fictional narratives, “role,” “protagonist,” or “persona” shift the emphasis to story function, clarifying the character’s purpose in a plot or dramatic arc. Should you need a term with a broader cultural emphasis, you might say “archetype” for timeless models (like the hero or the trickster), or “personification” to highlight symbolic roles. For shorter references or direct synonyms, “figure” or “personage” can be used, particularly in historical or fictional accounts: “He’s a key figure in Renaissance history,” for instance. Meanwhile, the phrase “someone’s true colors” connotes revealing authentic character traits over time. In certain contexts like gaming or animation, “avatar” or “NPC” (non-player character) defines digital or secondary roles. By choosing a word that pinpoints ethical standing, personality, or narrative function, you ensure clarity, maintain variety, and guide listeners or readers to the exact aspect of “character” you wish to highlight.
Writing
When writing, “character” proves pivotal in clarifying who people are—whether real or imaginary. In essays or academic analyses, you can dissect an individual’s moral or psychological attributes to show how values align with their actions. For literature reviews, highlighting how an author develops a character (through dialogue, backstory, and choices) allows you to explore themes, motives, and narrative arcs, helping readers see why they behave as they do. In biographical or historical pieces, referencing someone’s character underscores their reputation and ethical contributions, revealing what made them influential or controversial. For how-to or self-improvement resources, discussing character might focus on cultivating virtues like resilience, empathy, or honesty. Keep in mind that effective character portrayal often relies on concrete details—actions, statements, conflicts, and resolutions—rather than just stating traits (“brave,” “kind,” “tenacious”). Provide balanced context: show both strengths and weaknesses to paint a realistic portrait. Also consider the bigger narrative or argument; illustrating character can humanize data or illuminate moral stakes. By weaving character analysis into broader themes—social, psychological, or ethical—you deepen engagement and give substance to your writing, making “character” a core element in crafting compelling stories or insightful arguments.
Casual Conversation
In everyday life, you might say, “He’s quite the character,” when referring to a friend or colleague who stands out with distinctive quirks or bold behavior. Such an expression feels warm and humorous, hinting that the person is memorable. You can also mention “character” when describing someone’s moral fiber: “She showed a lot of character by apologizing so sincerely,” acknowledging personal responsibility and honesty. If you’re chatting about movies or TV shows, praising or criticizing a ‘favorite character’ just means highlighting who resonated with you—maybe because they felt relatable, funny, or complex. Casual settings also feature phrases like “build character,” a gentle nudge that challenges or setbacks can shape stronger personal qualities. Even calling kids “little characters” conveys lighthearted affection for their entertaining personality traits. Overall, you’re free to use “character” whenever you want to capture the essence of a person’s uniqueness, comedic flair, or integrity in a relaxed manner. Whether you’re describing a heroic figure in a superhero flick or teasing a friend for their silly antics, it’s a handy term that signals an enjoyable sense of identity, moral stance, or whimsical flair—something that stands out and leaves an impression.
Etymology
The word “character” has deep roots tracing back to the ancient Greek term “kharaktēr,” meaning an engraved or stamped mark. It referenced how craftspeople would etch distinctive signs or symbols onto metal or stone, giving something a signature identity. As Latin and Old French integrated such concepts, “character” broadened, coming to describe not just physical inscriptions, but also the invisible imprint of traits making one person unique. By the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the notion of a ‘character’ extended to moral qualities and the distinct role one played in a story or drama, reflecting how personal conduct sets individuals apart. In printing and typography, “character” remains tied to literal marks—letters, punctuation, and symbols—each forming an essential part of written communication. Over centuries, English speakers have internalized this multifaceted idea, seeing ‘character’ as the set of defining features—moral or otherwise—that stamp a person as distinct. Whether you’re reading Shakespeare, referencing a friend’s moral core, or enjoying digital avatars, the term’s essence remains: it signals that each presence, be it a person or symbol, carries an unmistakable mark, a uniqueness that makes it recognizable and significant in the broader narrative.